Railroad Accidents & FELA

We know how to fight back for you.

Houston Railroad Accident Lawyer

We Are an Experienced Team of Railroad Accident Attorneys

Morrow & Sheppard LLP are privileged to represent individuals injured or family members who have lost loved ones in accidents involving railroads. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), every 120 minutes a person or vehicle in America is hit and killed in a train accident, despite the fact that train accidents and derailments have steadily decreased over the years. At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, a qualified Houston railroad accident lawyer can provide you with aggressive representation in the event you were hurt in an accident involving a train in Texas.

What Is FELA?

The Federal Employers Liability Act (“FELA”), codified at 45 U.S.C. § 51 et seq. is a United States federal law that protects railroad workers that are injured on the job. Under FELA, an injured railroad worker can sue in state or federal court. Under FELA, an injured employee is entitled to recover damages if his employer was in any way negligent, no matter how slight. Thus, if an employer was just 1% negligent and just 1% at fault for a railroad injury, the injured employee has a right to damages. Moreover, if the employer is shown to have violated a federal safety statute, no further negligence needs to be proven and the injured employee has a right to damages. The stated purpose of FELA is to promote safety in every area of railroad operation. FELA imposes a requirement on the railroad to provide a safe environment for its employees to work.

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Common Causes of Railroad Deaths

For over 100 years, railroads have been critical to our country’s economy and transportation systems. However, railroads are incredibly dangerous. The injury rate for workers associated with railroads is approximately double the rate for ordinary industry sectors. In other words, if you work for railroads – particularly as a brake, signal, or switch operator – you are more than twice as likely to be injured on the job. Making matters worse, injuries sustained at the railyard are often severe. This is not surprising, considering a single empty railcar typically can weigh 25-30 tons.

From 1993 to 2002, there were an astounding 1,221 fatal railroad-related incidents. Common causes of railroad-related deaths that our Houston injury lawyers have seen include:

Crashes involving only railcars

Crashes involving railcars and non-railcars, such as cars at railroad crossings

Slips and falls

Pedestrians (both railworkers and non-railworkers) struck

Being struck by moving objects

Common activities of railroad workers that can lead to serious injury or death include:

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Damages in Houston Railroad Accident Lawsuits

The following types of damages may be available if you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a railroad in Texas:

Lost wages

Lost earning capacity (these types of damages arise when someone can return to work after an injury, but not in the same capacity as before the accident)

Medical bills

Pain and suffering

Mental distress

Disfigurement

Shame and humiliation

Under FELA, there is no minimum or maximum limit to the amount of damages that may be awarded by a judge or jury.

Free Case Evaluation with a Skilled Houston Railroad Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident, we can help. You need a Houston accident attorney with experience handling construction accident claims and that will work tirelessly with you and your family to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve following the accident. Please call our office now at (800) 489-2216 for a free, confidential consultation.

Request A Free Case Consultation Today!

Complete the form below and an attorney will reach out within 24 hours regarding your inquiry.

What Our Clients Are Saying

These guys were there when I needed help and advisement..Don’t waste your money or time going elsewhere..thank you Nick and thank you to Chris also..great people

Steven Kemp

14:43 05 Jan 19

Nick Morrow and John Sheppard are the best. I was paralyzed in a work injury. Several other lawyers turned down my case. Morrow & Sheppard hired expensive experts, took dozens of depositions, and proved my case. I saw them in court against a team of defense lawyers, and the defense lawyers didn’t stand a chance. Morrow & Sheppard took my case all the way when nobody else would. Now my family is set up for life. Throughout the process, they kept me updated and made me feel like I was more than a number. I still talk to Nick to this day. Morrow & Sheppard exceeded my expectations in every way, and I cannot recommend them enough. If you are injured at work, call Morrow & Sheppard.read more

jeff holloway

23:20 17 Oct 18

John Sheppard and Nick Morrow were two of the brightest stars in my law school class and my class of lawyers at Fulbright & Jaworski, one of the most elite and prestigious law firms in Houston and Texas. I have known both of them for well over a decade now and throughout that time they have both always lived up to the highest standards of intellect, tenacity, and professionalism. They are both winners. If you need a Houston lawyer who will stand up for your rights and get you the justice you deserve, I wholeheartedly recommend Morrow & Sheppard. read more

Holt Lackey

20:39 17 Jul 15

John Sheppard, with Morrow & Sheppard LLP, is brilliant. On more than one occasion, he successfully represented various affiliated companies I was part of. John is very diligent, thorough and fights hard for righteousness. There were numerous times that he helped us through extremely difficult moments. John is very professional, responsive and respectful. I highly endorse Morrow and Sheppard LLP for legal representation and/or legal assistance needs. read more

Don Knight

21:19 15 Jul 15

My experience with John, at Morrow and Sheppard, during my company’s litigation was better than I could have imagined (considering the circumstances of being involved in litigation). What stood out to me the most, was John’s tenacity in preparation. I later realized this came from two places, one he didn’t want to lose and two (and most importantly) he CARED so much about me getting justice. I cannot stress this enough, when you are dealing with a lawyer that truly cares, then all of the other stresses I had around the case seemed to go away. I was always kept up to date with what was going on in our case, and he always made it very clear he was just an email or call away! In addition to these attributes, he also knows the law and is willing to fight for what is right! It would be tough to find another lawyer that is as highly effective, skilled, knowledgeable, ethical and has such an impeccable reputation (which is well deserved). I would recommend Morrow and Sheppard to anyone seeking out a law firm, in the event they needed counsel.read more

Brian R

16:04 14 Jul 15

Nick and John are a great team. They are both honest, trustworthy and have a tenacious work ethic on behalf of their clients. They stand behind these qualities, having left partnerships at great law firms to commit 100% to achieving results for individuals and businesses. They will fight for you and I'm proud to call them clients and friends.read more

Jim Bell

13:58 13 Jul 15

John and Nick are outstanding lawyers. They are both extremely sharp, skilled, hard-working, and passionate about what they do. I would highly recommend either of them to anyone looking for high-level service that also happens to be affordable.

Will Moore

22:08 10 Jul 15

Morrow & Sheppard LLP is an outstanding law firm. I have known Nick Morrow for many years. He is honest, hardworking, and very attentive to his clients. I could not recommend him enough for your legal needs.

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Houston Nationwide Practice

The home office of Morrow & Sheppard is located in Houston, Texas. We are licensed in all Texas courts, but handle cases throughout the country, with a focus in Texas and Louisiana.

Nick Morrow and John Sheppard are the best. I was paralyzed in a work injury. Several other lawyers turned down my case. Morrow & Sheppard hired expensive experts, took dozens of depositions, and proved my case. I saw them in court against a team of defense lawyers, and the defense lawyers didn’t stand a chance. Morrow & Sheppard took my case all the way when nobody else would. Now my family is set up for life. Throughout the process, they kept me updated and made me feel like I was more than a number. I still talk to Nick to this day. Morrow & Sheppard exceeded my expectations in every way, and I cannot recommend them enough. If you are injured at work, call Morrow & Sheppard.

John Sheppard and Nick Morrow were two of the brightest stars in my law school class and my class of lawyers at Fulbright & Jaworski, one of the most elite and prestigious law firms in Houston and Texas. I have known both of them for well over a decade now and throughout that time they have both always lived up to the highest standards of intellect, tenacity, and professionalism. They are both winners. If you need a Houston lawyer who will stand up for your rights and get you the justice you deserve, I wholeheartedly recommend Morrow & Sheppard.

John Sheppard, with Morrow & Sheppard LLP, is brilliant. On more than one occasion, he successfully represented various affiliated companies I was part of. John is very diligent, thorough and fights hard for righteousness. There were numerous times that he helped us through extremely difficult moments. John is very professional, responsive and respectful. I highly endorse Morrow and Sheppard LLP for legal representation and/or legal assistance needs.

My experience with John, at Morrow and Sheppard, during my company’s litigation was better than I could have imagined (considering the circumstances of being involved in litigation). What stood out to me the most, was John’s tenacity in preparation. I later realized this came from two places, one he didn’t want to lose and two (and most importantly) he CARED so much about me getting justice. I cannot stress this enough, when you are dealing with a lawyer that truly cares, then all of the other stresses I had around the case seemed to go away. I was always kept up to date with what was going on in our case, and he always made it very clear he was just an email or call away! In addition to these attributes, he also knows the law and is willing to fight for what is right! It would be tough to find another lawyer that is as highly effective, skilled, knowledgeable, ethical and has such an impeccable reputation (which is well deserved). I would recommend Morrow and Sheppard to anyone seeking out a law firm, in the event they needed counsel.

Nick and John are a great team. They are both honest, trustworthy and have a tenacious work ethic on behalf of their clients. They stand behind these qualities, having left partnerships at great law firms to commit 100% to achieving results for individuals and businesses. They will fight for you and I'm proud to call them clients and friends.

John and Nick are outstanding lawyers. They are both extremely sharp, skilled, hard-working, and passionate about what they do. I would highly recommend either of them to anyone looking for high-level service that also happens to be affordable.

Morrow & Sheppard LLP is an outstanding law firm. I have known Nick Morrow for many years. He is honest, hardworking, and very attentive to his clients. I could not recommend him enough for your legal needs.